UMD Internationalization Initiative

ACE Internationalization Lab Cohort

UMD, along with eight other institutions from across the nation, has been selected to participate in the American Council on Education (ACE)’s 2012-14 Internationalization Laboratory Cohort, which began its work with a meeting in Washington, D.C. on August 30.

As a member of the cohort, UMD will develop strategies for campus internationalization by: forming a campus leadership team to work on strategic planning and student outcomes, attending cohort leadership meetings in Washington, undergoing site visits and peer reviews, and participating in monthly phone calls with the Laboratory director.

Leigh Neys, Director of International Education, and Denny Falk, Professor of Social Work will be co-chairing the Internationalization Leadership Team (ILT) at UMD. The ILT will 1) conduct a review of current international activities at UMD, 2) identify campus goals and student learning outcomes related to internationalization, and 3) develop a systematic plan for comprehensive internationalization at UMD.

“The Laboratory helps campuses focus attention on and create a community of understanding around the concept of internationalization,” said Barbara Hill, senior associate in ACE’s Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement. “This cohort is made up of a diverse group of engaged individuals who will energize their faculty and leadership to enhance the way they approach global education.”

I hope you will participate in this internationalization program when opportunities arise. UMD’s mission and vision statements emphasize preparing students as “globally engaged citizens,” and it is my hope that our research and outreach activities will also be enhanced by global engagement.

If you have questions or comments about this comprehensive internationalization process, please contact any of the members of the ILT or write to the email address below.

Please write to intz@d.umn.edu if you would like to share ideas about internationalization at UMD.